DETROIT — A new, youthful face was walking around the Wings’ locker room after practice today, spending time with defensemen Jonathan Ericsson and Niklas Kronwall.

Five-year-old Herman Liv accompanied Ericsson to practice. He’s the oldest son of Stefan Liv, who was among the 44 people killed in the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash in Russia on Sept. 7. Liv was a one-time Red Wings goaltending prospect.

The crash also claimed the lives of former assistant coach Brad McCrimmon and defenseman Ruslan Salei.

“They’ve been here for a month,” Ericsson said. “It’s been rough for them, so it’s nice to think about something else for a while.”

Kronwall played with Liv on some international teamsy.

“Reminds you non-stop of Stefan; two great kids, a beautiful wife, very down to earth and just great people,” Kronwall said. “You’re happy to see them and it’s fun to see the kids running around. They’re just like him.

“He was always one of those guys you hung out with, went to dinner with one of those guys you always wanted to be around because you were having a good time, Kronwall added. “He’d always make you smile. You’d always be in a good mood around him. It’s tough looking back, especially when you see (his kids).”